Pre-existing Mental Health Conditions Research Articles

Effects of blast exposure on anxiety and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among displaced Ukrainian populations.

Generalized anxiety and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are common among individuals forcibly displaced during war and conflict. Blast exposure may be one important contributor of such symptoms. The aims of this study were to provide data on blast-related experiences of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and to assess the influence of blast exposure on generalized anxiety, and PTSD flashbacks and nightmares. An online health needs survey was distributed to Ukrainian IDPs and refugees between April and July 2022 using Facebook Ads Manager. Participants reported whether they experienced blast exposure since the beginning of the invasion, and whether they took medication for a mental health condition before the war started. Finally, they completed measures of generalized anxiety (GAD-2), and PTSD flashbacks and nightmares. Analyses included 3253 IDPs and 5073 refugees (N = 8326). Results revealed that 67.6% of total participants- 79.9% of IDPs and 61.7% of refugees-reported blast exposure since Russia's invasion. Further, 69.1% (95% CI: 68.05, 70.15) of total participants met the cut-off for generalized anxiety in which further diagnostic evaluation was warranted. Compared to refugees, IDPs reported higher generalized anxiety and greater frequency of PTSD symptoms, specifically flashbacks and nightmares. Further analyses revealed that the impact of blast exposure on flashback frequency was stronger among IDPs compared to refugees (β = 0.51; t(8322) = 11.88, p < .0001, 95% CI: 0.43, 0.60) and among participants with pre-existing mental health conditions compared to those without (β = 0.18; t(8157) = 2.50, p = .013, 95% CI: 0.04, 0.33). Mental health and psychosocial support must be prioritised within humanitarian relief for both IDPs and refugees and especially among people with underlying mental health conditions.

The influence of preinjury mental health problems on post-concussion outcome: A meta-analysis

It is difficult to anticipate may suffer long-term health issues as a result of a Postconcussion (PC) sustained while participating in sports. This research analyzes the relationship between Pre-Injury Mental Health (PMH) issues and the clinical result of a sports-related PC. The following databases were the basis for the research: SPORT Discus, Web of Science, EMBASE, MEDLINE, CINAHL, PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and PsycINFO. Studies distributed before February 2019 that looked at MHP as a possible signal of a worse Clinical Outcome (CO) or a slower clinical improvement from a PC was considered. In the end, 12 types of research with subjects were considered after 355 entire texts of the 4046 publications that were reviewed were examined. In 9 out of 12 studies, individuals who have experienced prior to the Studies varied greatly in their approaches, and most did not emphasize MH as a primary predictor or prognostic factor. For the inst ad, it is better to utilize it as a secondary or even a third predictor. Most studies were small or small sample sizes for those exhibiting PMH concerns. There was no information given on the beginning age, kind, course, severity, or duration of MH issues. While doing baseline tests before the season, it was not specified to what extent MH problems were visible. The co of a sport-related pc may be worse for athletes with preexisting Mental Health Conditions (MHC). Research is needed to understand the mechanisms at play here better, to more accurately measure the risk for each MHC, to build superior, advanced treatment and recuperation strategies regarding these students-athletes by comprehending the procedures that underlie the higher risk.

Prevalence and Correlates of Complicated Grief in Military Primary Care: Implications for Healthcare Providers.

Grief is a universal experience, but for approximately 1 in 10 individuals, grief can become impairing. Despite servicemembers' frequent exposure to death, research on grief in the military remains limited. The purpose of the study was to explore the prevalence and correlates of complicated grief (CG) in military primary care. A quantitative survey was conducted with 161 non-treatment-seeking service members, veterans, and their dependents, of whom 138 reported a significant loss. Results revealed that 35% of the respondents who were bereaved met the cut-off score of 25 on the Inventory of Complicated Grief (ICG). Furthermore, 10% met the cut-off score of 30 on the Prolonged Grief Disorder-13-Revised Scale (PG-13-R). Importantly, death by suicide and pre-existing mental health conditions were associated with greater symptom severity. These findings have important implications for primary care providers and other clinicians working with military populations.

Men after the sexual assault: The journey from medical service to court

BackgroundThere may be significant physical and psychological consequences and impacts for males who experience sexual assault as adults, however, published literature in this context is sparse, specifically for the investigative outcomes in the criminal legal process. MethodThis clinical audit tracked 138 adult males who presented for forensic and medical sexual assault care from initial presentation to ACT Police investigation and court outcome from 2004 to 2022. ResultsThere were 103/138 (74.6%) males who attended for medical and forensic care within 72 h of the reported assault. Pre-existing mental health conditions were self-reported in 59/138 (42.7%) males.Nearly half of males 67/138 (48.5%) had a medical evidence kit collected. Males presenting for medical care 44/138 (31.2%) went on to report to ACT Policing, 36/44 (81.2%) of cases did not proceed to court. The most common clearance type was inadequate evidence to proceed (17/44, 38.6%).In 8/44 (18.2%) of adult male cases who subsequently reported to ACT Police, the investigation resulted in entry to the judicial process with a suspect charged with a sexual offence. Five of those cases resulting in a conviction. ConclusionsMany adult male patients presented within timeframes that enabled the provision of time critical medical care and provided an opportunity for forensic medical evidence collection. Many adult males 59 (42.7%) self-reported pre-existing mental health conditions upon initial presentation.Attrition occurred throughout the patient journey with many males not reporting to police and thus not presenting in the legal process. This further emphasises the need for independent sexual violence patient advisors to support adult male victims through the medical and criminal justice process.

Pre-existing depression, anxiety and trauma as risk factors for the development of post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms following wildfires

The trauma of wildfires leads to one of the most challenging and treatment resistant mental health conditions-namely-post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Research addressing the contribution of pre-existing mental health conditions to the development of PTSD symptoms following traumatization by wildfires is limited. This study examined whether people with pre-existing diagnoses of anxiety, depression, PTSD, insomnia and nightmares, by a mental health professional, are more likely to develop symptoms of PTSD than those with no previous diagnosis following the trauma of wildfires. A total of 126 wildfire survivors from Australia, Canada and the United States of America completed an online survey. An independent sample t-tests revealed that pre-existing diagnosed conditions of depression, an anxiety disorder and PTSD significantly increased the likelihood of developing PTSD symptoms following traumatization by wildfires (t = −2.51, p = 0.014, 95% CI [-18.91 to −2.20], t = −2.61, p = 0.01, 95% CI [-18.91 to −2.57], t = −2.57, p = 0.012, 95% CI [-22.36 to −2.87] respectively). Practitioners working in communities subjected to wildfires need to run a thorough screening of their patients’ pre-existing mental health conditions to provide the right treatment and referral pathways to those affected by the trauma of wildfires.

The collective emotion of mentally ill individuals within Facebook groups during Covid-19 pandemic

PurposePeople with pre-existing mental health conditions are more likely to be affected by global crises. The Covid-19 pandemic has presented them with unique challenges, including reduced contact with the psychiatric rehabilitation and support systems. Thus, understanding the emotional experience of this population may assist mental health organizations in future global crises.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper, researchers analyzed the discourse of the mentally ill during the Covid-19 pandemic, as reflected in Israeli Facebook groups: three private groups and one public group. Researchers explored the language, reactions, emotions and sentiments used in these groups during the year before the pandemic, outbreak periods and remission periods, as well as the period before the vaccine’s introduction and after its appearance.FindingsAnalyzing groups’ discourse using the collective emotion theory suggests that the group that expressed the most significant difficulty was the Depression group, while individuals who suffer from social phobia/anxiety and PTSD were less affected during the lockdowns and restrictions forced by the outbreak.Originality/valueFindings may serve as a tool for service providers during crises to monitor patients’ conditions, and assist individuals who need support and help.

Cognitive Impairment following Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI): A Review.

Background: Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) has been increasingly recognized as a public health concern due to its prevalence and potential to induce long-term cognitive impairment. We aimed to consolidate this observation by focusing on findings of neuropsychological assessments, neuroimaging, risk factors, and potential strategies for intervention to prevent and treat mTBI-associated cognitive impairments. Methods: A thorough search of PubMed, PsycINFO, and Embase databases was performed for studies published until 2024. Studies focusing on cognitive impairment after mTBI, with neurocognitive assessment as a primary outcome, were included. Results: We found consistent evidence of cognitive deficits, such as memory and attention impairments, and affected executive functions following mTBI. Neuroimaging studies corroborate these findings, highlighting structural and functional changes in the brain. Several risk factors for developing cognitive impairment post-mTBI were identified, including age, gender, genetics, and pre-existing mental health conditions. The efficacy of interventions, including cognitive rehabilitation and pharmaceutical treatment, varied across studies. Conclusions: Mild TBI can lead to significant long-term cognitive impairments, impacting an individual's quality of life. Further research is necessary to validate and standardize cognitive assessment tools post-mTBI, to elucidate the underlying neural mechanisms, and to optimize therapeutic interventions.

Long-term impact of resilience and extraversion on psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic: a longitudinal investigation among individuals with and without mental health disorders.

Over the past years, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant disruptions in daily routines. Although the pandemic has affected almost everyone, it has been particularly challenging for people with pre-existing mental health conditions. Therefore, this study investigated the long-term impact of resilience and extraversion on psychological distress in individuals diagnosed with mental health disorders (MHD) compared to the general population. In addition, possible gender-specific differences were investigated. 123 patients with pre-existing MHD and 343 control subjects from Austria and Italy participated in three online surveys that had been conducted after the initial wave of the COVID-19 pandemic (t0), during the second lockdown in both countries (t1), and one year thereafter (t2). Participants completed standardized questionnaires on psychological distress (Brief-Symptom-Checklist), resilience (Resilience Scale), and extraversion (Big Five Inventory). A mediation model was employed to test the primary hypothesis. Possible gender-specific differences were analyzed using a moderated mediation model. The prevalence of psychological distress was consistently higher in patients compared to controls (t0: 37.3% vs. 13.2%, t1: 38.2% vs 11.7%, t2: 37.4% vs. 13.1%). This between-group difference in psychological distress at the first follow-up was fully mediated by baseline resilience scores (65.4% of the total effect). During the second-follow up, extraversion accounted for 18% of the total effect, whereas resilience slightly decreased to 56% of the total effect. Gender was not a significant moderator in the model. Next to showing that people with MHD were particularly affected by the pandemic, these findings indicate that higher degrees of resilience and extraversion are related to less long-term psychological distress. Our findings stress the relevance of strengthening resilience and extraversion and to provide mental health support in times of crises, both to patients with MHD and the general population.

How Depression and Anxiety Impact Adherence to COVID-19 Prevention Practices in Urban Liberia.

Understanding the relationship between mental health and COVID-19 prevention practices is crucial but challenging considering COVID-19's impact on mental well-being. Liberia, a West African country, had well-documented rates of depression and anxiety prior to COVID-19. Liberia responded aggressively to COVID-19 while case counts remained low; thus, it is an ideal setting to study the relationship of mental health and COVID-19 prevention practices. A validated cross-sectional survey was administered to 250 randomly selected residents of Montserrado county, Liberia in June 2021, asking about their mental health and adherence to COVID-19 prevention practices. The survey included the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 to assess for anxiety and depression, respectively. Responses were analyzed using Spearman correlation and regression. Scores indicative of depression were present in 43% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 37-49) of participants; scores indicative of anxiety were present in 41% (95% CI: 34-47). Self-reported adherence to COVID-19 prevention practices was middling and varied greatly by behavior. Higher scores for depression and anxiety were significantly associated with lower adherence to COVID-19 prevention practices. Results indicate that while the spread of COVID-19 has certainly affected mental health, it is likely that pre-existing mental health conditions affected the spread of COVID-19 through lower adherence to prevention practices. Policymakers should consider investing in mental health services as an important step in managing future epidemics, and the needs of people with poor mental health when designing epidemic responses, particularly in low-income countries where the burdens of adherence are likely to be greater.

HOSPITAL READMISSION AND MORTALITY RATES IN PATIENTS WITH CONCURRENT DEPRESSION AND INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE: INSIGHTS FROM THE NATIONAL READMISSIONS DATABASE, 2016–2019

Abstract BACKGROUND Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a proinflammatory condition that is known to be associated with depression. Research examining causality suggests that Crohn's disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC) patients are vulnerable to triggering pre-existing mental health conditions and that conversely, a pre-existing disorder such as depression may have an effect on the disease process and course of IBD. There is a paucity of comprehensive studies examining the downstream effects of depression on patients with IBD such as readmission rates and mortality. The complexity of the interaction between depression and IBD remains a fertile ground for further investigations in terms of pathological reciprocity and downstream consequences. METHODS In this retrospective observational study, patients were queried from the National Readmissions Database from 2016 to 2019. ICD-10 codes were used to identify patients with Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and depression. Primary outcomes were mortality and readmission rates at 30 days and 90 days. Secondary outcomes were index admission mortality, hospital length of stay (LOS), and total hospitalization charges (TOTHC) at 30 and 90 days respectively. The top 10 readmission diagnoses in each subgroup were also identified. RESULTS For patients with CD and depression, the mean age at readmission was 51.6 years with a high readmission and mortality rate at 30 days (readmission rate 5.2%, p&amp;lt;0.01; mortality rate 2.8%, p&amp;lt;0.01) which increased significantly at 90 days (readmission rate 8.4%, p&amp;lt;0.01). Hospital LOS and TOTHC remained relatively the same compared to the index admission for both 30-day and 90-day readmissions (Table 1,2). A similar trend was seen for UC and depression as well: mean age at readmission was 51.4 years with a high readmission rate and mortality at 30 days (readmission rate 5.0%, p&amp;lt;0.01; mortality rate 2.6%, p&amp;lt;0.01) which increased significantly at 90 days (readmission rate 8.4%, p&amp;lt;0.01; mortality rate 2.9%, p&amp;lt;0.01). Sepsis, hypertensive heart disease accompanied by heart failure and/or chronic kidney disease, acute kidney injury, hypoxia, and acute depressive episodes were the top primary associated readmission etiologies at 30 days and 90 days when correlated with a diagnosis of UC or CD. (Table 1, 2). CONCLUSION Our investigation revealed that patients affected by both depression and either UC or Crohn’s disease exhibited elevated readmission rates and a notably amplified mortality risk at 30 days post-readmission, with a more substantial increase observed at the 90-day mark. These findings underscore the significance of healthcare providers routinely screening for depression, addressing the management of mental health, and acknowledging the considerable impact it has on patients with co-occurring chronic diseases like UC or CD as an integral facet of comprehensive care. Table 1 Table 2

Impact of Preexisting Depression and Anxiety on Hospital Readmission and Long-Term Survival After Cardiac Arrest.

While sudden cardiac arrest (CA) survivors are at risk for developing psychiatric disorders, little is known about the impact of preexisting mental health conditions on long-term survival or postacute healthcare utilization. We examined the prevalence of preexisting psychiatric conditions in CA patients who survived hospital discharge, characterized incidence and reason for inpatient psychiatry consultation during these patients' acute hospitalizations, and determined the association of pre-CA depression and anxiety with hospital readmission rates and long-term survival. We hypothesized that prior depression or anxiety would be associated with higher hospital readmission rates and lower long-term survival. We conducted a retrospective cohort study including patients resuscitated from in- and out-of-hospital CA who survived both admission and discharge from a single hospital between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2017. We identified patients from our prospective registry, then performed a structured chart review to abstract past psychiatric history, prescription medications for psychiatric conditions, and identify inpatient psychiatric consultations. We used administrative data to identify readmissions within 1 year and vital status through December 31, 2020. We used multivariable Cox regressions controlling for patient demographics, medical comorbidities, discharge Cerebral Performance Category and disposition, depression, and anxiety history to predict long-term survival and hospital readmission. We included 684 subjects. Past depression or anxiety was noted in 24% (n = 162) and 19% (n = 129) of subjects. A minority of subjects (n = 139, 20%) received a psychiatry consultation during the index hospitalization. Overall, 262 (39%) subjects had at least 1 readmission within 1 year. Past depression was associated with an increased hazard of hospital readmission (hazard ratio 1.50, 95% CI 1.11-2.04), while past anxiety was not associated with readmission. Neither depression nor anxiety were independently associated with long-term survival. Depression is an independent risk factor for hospital readmission in CA survivors.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health care and people with mental health conditions in Ethiopia: the MASC mixed-methods study

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has had far-reaching effects on the mental health of populations around the world, but there has been limited focus on the impact on people with existing mental health conditions in low-income countries. The aim of this study was to examine impact of the pandemic on mental health care and people with mental health conditions in Ethiopia.MethodsA convergent mixed methods study was conducted. We systematically mapped information from publicly available reports on impacts of the pandemic on mental health care. Monthly service utilisation data were obtained from Amanuel Mental Specialised Hospital, the main psychiatric hospital, and analysed using segmented Poisson regression (2019 vs. 2020). In-depth interviews were conducted with 16 purposively selected key informants. Framework analysis was used for qualitative data. Findings from each data source were integrated.ResultsIn the early stages of the pandemic, participants indicated a minimal response towards the mental health aspects of COVID-19. Mental health-related stigma and discrimination was evident. Scarce mental health service settings were diverted to become COVID-19 treatment centres. Mental health care became narrowly biomedical with poorer quality of care due to infrequent follow-up. Households of people with pre-existing mental health conditions in the community reported worsening poverty and decreased access to care due to restricted movement, decreased availability and fear. Lack of reliable medication supplies increased relapse and the chance of becoming chained at home, abandoned or homeless. Caregiver burden was exacerbated. Within mental health facilities, prisons and residential units, infection control procedures did not adequately safeguard those with mental health conditions. Meanwhile, the needs of people with mental health conditions in COVID-19 quarantine and treatment facilities were systematically neglected. Only late in the day were integrated services developed to address both physical and mental health needs.ConclusionsThe COVID-19 pandemic had substantial negative impacts on the lives of people with mental health conditions in Ethiopia. Future emergency response should prioritise the human rights, health, social and economic needs of people with mental health conditions. Integration of mental and physical health care would both expand access to care and increase resilience of the mental health system.

High temperatures on mental health: Recognizing the association and the need for proactive strategies-A perspective.

The influence of temperature on various aspects of daily life is often underestimated, and its effects on mental health are not widely recognized. Understanding and addressing the relationship between temperature and mental well-being is crucial in the context of climate change and rising global temperatures. This perspective aimed to investigate the effects of high temperatures on mental health and identify proactive strategies to mitigate these effects. This perspective adopted a twofold approach, including a comprehensive literature review and socioecological framework. The literature review involved extensive searches across Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scopus to identify relevant, peer-reviewed articles, and reports from diverse disciplines. The perspective emphasized the significance of recognizing heat stress and its consequences on mental well-being. Chronic heat stress can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and cognitive impairment. Vulnerable populations include, the very young, older adults, and individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions. Socioeconomic factors can further exacerbate vulnerability, highlighting the need for tailored strategies to manage mental health challenges during high temperatures. Additionally, the article identified and discussed proactive coping strategies to minimize both the psychological and physical impacts of heat stress. Mindfulness, stress management techniques, and therapy are suggested as effective means for individuals to manage psychological distress. Implementing preventive measures are essential steps in promoting mental wellness in high temperatures. Proactive strategies by addressing the physiological and psychological effects of heat and considering the specific needs of vulnerable populations can help individuals and communities navigate the challenges posed by rising temperatures and promote resilience and preserve their mental well-being.

Embracing virtual support: A phenomenological study on the lived experiences of Filipino guidance counselees during the Covid-19 pandemic

The Covid-19 pandemic profoundly impacted student and faculty well-being, necessitating a closer examination of guidance counselee experiences in virtual counseling. This research aims to address the unique challenges and benefits of virtual counseling during crises and improve guidance counseling delivery. This qualitative research explored the experiences and challenges of Filipino guidance counselees during virtual counseling amid the pandemic using phenomenological inquiry. Ten purposively selected participants underwent in-depth interviews, then the information was transcribed and analyzed thematically. Analysis revealed three major themes: Psychological struggles, challenges of virtual counseling, and the importance of virtual counseling. Participants discussed psychological struggles, pre-existing mental health conditions, and challenges like poor Internet connectivity. They emphasized the significance of virtual counseling for well-being. The findings underscore recognizing and addressing counselees' psychological struggles during the pandemic. Effective support must mitigate challenges like technological literacy and resource constraints. Virtual counseling maintains connections despite social distancing restrictions. This research provides valuable insights into guidance counselee experiences during the Covid-19 pandemic in the Philippines. It emphasizes embracing virtual counseling advantages while addressing specific challenges. Policymakers and school leaders should recognize counselor expertise and provide comprehensive support. Further research is recommended to develop interventions for different age groups and educational levels. Understanding and supporting guidance counselees to promote mental health and overall development.

Factors affecting COVID-19's mental health impact on college students in the southeastern United States.

Emerging evidence confirms COVID-19's negative impact on college students' mental health; however, more research is needed to identify factors that promoted or hindered college students' mental health early in the pandemic. This exploratory study addressed this need. Participants were 697 students attending a large, state, urban university in the southeastern United States. Using a cross-sectional survey design, participants completed an anonymous, online survey assessing socio-demographic variables, mental health issues, and activities during the lockdown period in 2020. Findings suggest college students in the southeastern US who were women or transgender men and had pre-existing mental health conditions, fewer routine activities, and high exposure to COVID-19 news reported more mental health problems early in the pandemic. Students who exercised daily had fewer symptoms of anxiety and post-traumatic stress than students who exercised monthly, but there were no differences in emotional responses to COVID-19 based on exercise frequency. Tailored strategies to address college students' needs in response to the current or future pandemics are needed and should take into consideration factors that promote or hinder mental health. Patient or Public Contribution: College students were participants in this study. College students who were not participants in this study assisted with the implementation of this study.

Deepening Depression in Women Balancing Work-Life Responsibilities and Caregiving during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Findings from Gender-Specific Face-to-Face Street Interviews Conducted in Italy.

This study investigated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health, quality of life, and family functioning in a sample of the general female population, exploring difficulties encountered in managing family and work responsibilities and burden of care when taking care of a loved one. This study was, moreover, aimed at investigating factors capable of influencing severe depressive symptomatology in the context of socio-demographics, traumatic events, individual vulnerability, and family functioning. The sampling method used in this research was non-probability sampling. The survey took place during a Hospital Open Weekend (8-10 October 2021) organized by the National Gender Observatory on Women's Health "Fondazione Onda" on the occasion of the World Mental Health Day. A total of 211 women were interviewed (mean age = 35.6, 53% living alone, more than 15% with financial difficulties, 47% exposed to the 2009 L'Aquila earthquake). More than 50% of the sample reported a higher complexity in managing their lives during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to their previous routine, with no statistically significant differences between working women and non-workers, although the latter obtained higher scores for depressive symptomatology and poorer quality of life. Compared to non-caregivers, female caregivers (22.3%) in charge of the care of loved ones affected by physical (10.9%) or psychiatric disabilities (11.4%) complained of a poorer quality of life, especially in general health perception (p = 0.002), physical function (p = 0.011), role limitations related to physical problems (p = 0.017), bodily pain (p = 0.015), mental health (p = 0.004), and social functioning (p = 0.007). Women caring for people affected by mental disorders seemed to experience a more significant worsening in vitality (p = 0.003) and social functioning (p = 0.005). Approximately 20% of the total sample reported severe depressive symptomatology. Previous access to mental health services (O.R. 10.923; p = 0.000), a low level of education (O.R. 5.410; p = 0.021), and difficulties in management of everyday lives during the COVID-19 pandemic (O.R. 3.598; p = 0.045) were found to be the main variables predictive of severe depressive psychopathology. Old age, good problem-solving skills, and ability to pursue personal goals were identified as protective factors. The COVID-19 pandemic underlined the need for support amongst emotionally vulnerable women with pre-existing mental health conditions, partly reflecting the cumulative effects of traumas.

A pandemic's impact on Mental Health

Abstract Background A small topic-specific foresight exercise that shows how monitoring the current and country-specific state of people's mental health has been done in Austria. Since the consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic cannot be precisely quantified with just one or two indicators, a different approach is needed. Methods A comprehensive overview of different mental health indicators is a good approach to identify general trends in the psychosocial health of the population. In the absence of survey data, it was decided to focus on available routine data. A specific country context can be understood through comparisons between countries, as was done in use case D of the PHIRI project. Results Even though the pandemic (or other crises) affected practically everyone's life, some population groups are showing significant psychological suffering, e.g., young people (especially girls and young women), people with pre-existing mental health conditions, and elderly. Conclusions Hence, interventions need to be taken at various levels of a society-wide approach. This means that despite specialized psychosocial support, interventions on “lower levels” dealing with matters of social security, community support etc. are necessary. The Austrian example was used to describe insights to future developments that are applicable to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic to mental health of the population in several European countries.

Prevalence and predictors of elder abuse among older adults attending emergency departments: a prospective cohort study.

Elder abuse is associated with impaired physical and psychological health. It is, however, rarely identified in emergency departments (EDs). The objective was to determine the prevalence and the predictors of elder abuse among older adults visiting EDs. This prospective cohort study was conducted in eight Canadian EDs between May and August 2021. Patients were eligible if they were ≥ 65years old, oriented to time, and with a Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale score 3, 4 or 5. In a private setting, participants were questioned directly about abuse as part of a larger questionnaire exploring ten non-medical problems. We used multivariable logistic regression to identify predictors of elder abuse. A total of 1061 participants were recruited (mean age: 77.1 (SD 7.6) years, female sex: 55.7%, lived alone: 42.5%). Patients mostly attended EDs for pain (19.6%), neurologic (11.3%) or cardiovascular (8.4%) symptoms. The most frequent pre-existing comorbidities were hypertension (67.2%), mental health conditions (33.3%) and cardiac insufficiency (29.6%). Mobility issues outside (41.0%) or inside their home (30.7%) and loneliness (29.4%) were also frequent. Fifty-four (5.1%) participants reported elder abuse, of which 34.3% were aware of available community-based resources. Identified predictors of elder abuse were female sex (OR 2.8 [95%CI 1.4; 5.6]), financial difficulties (OR 3.6 [95%CI 1.8; 7.3]), food insecurity (OR 2.7 [95%CI 1.2; 5.6]), need for a caregiver (OR 2.7 [95%CI 1.5; 5.0]) and at least one pre-existing mental health condition (OR 2.6 [95%CI 1.4; 4.9]). When questioned directly, 5.1% of older adults attending EDs reported experiencing abuse. Female sex, functional impairment, social vulnerability, and mental health comorbidities are associated with elder abuse. Given its importance and relatively high prevalence, ED professionals should have a low threshold to ask directly about elder abuse.

Parent psychological distress and parent-child relationships two years into the COVID-19 pandemic: Results from a Canadian cross-sectional study.

Mental health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have not been felt equally within populations. Parents with children living at home were early on identified as a population at heightened mental health risk, with concerns about the potential long-term impacts of the pandemic on parents' mental health, family functioning, and children's well-being. This study investigates impacts of the pandemic on parents' psychological distress, contextual sources of distress, and associations with family functioning nearly two years into the pandemic. Data were drawn from a national cross-sectional survey of adults living in Canada in November and December 2021 that was representative by age, gender, household income, and region. Parents with children < 18 years old living at home (N = 553) reported their experiences of psychological distress, pandemic-related stressors, coping mechanisms, and family functioning (changes in parent-child interactions, children's anxiety). Chi-square tests, logistic regression, and linear regression analyses examined sociodemographic inequities in parents' levels of psychological distress, sources and mitigating mechanisms of distress, and associations between psychological distress and family functioning. Nearly two years into the pandemic, parents with children at home reported nearly double pre-pandemic population estimates of moderate to severe psychological distress. Psychological distress was more frequently reported among parents with pre-existing mental health conditions, disabilities, and financial stressors. Parents with greater psychological distress reported increases in negative parent-child interactions due to the pandemic and higher anxiety among their children. This study identifies sustained negative impacts of the pandemic on parents' mental health and family functioning in Canada nearly two years into the pandemic, despite high vaccine uptake and declining infection rates. Disparities in financial stress, social support structures, and pre-existing mental health were identified as underlying sources of psychological distress. These results highlight that meaningful responses to promote mental health among parents and families must address social and structural inequities.

The lived experience of long COVID: A qualitative study of mental health, quality of life, and coping.

The majority of people who contract COVID-19 experience a short period of symptomatic infection. However, symptoms persist for months or years following initial exposure to the virus in some cases. This has been described as long COVID. Little is known about the lived experience of this condition, as it has only recently emerged. This study aimed to explore the experiences of mental health, quality of life, and coping among people living with long COVID. A sample of 47 adults with lived experience participated in web-based focus groups. Separate focus groups were held for 24 individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions and 23 individuals without pre-existing mental health conditions. Data were analyzed using a codebook thematic analysis approach. Five themes were identified as integral to the long COVID experience: The Emotional Landscape of Long COVID, New Limits to Daily Functioning, Grief and Loss of Former Identity, Long COVID-related Stigmatization, and Learning to Cope with Persisting Symptoms. These findings illustrate the immense impact of long COVID on mental health and quality of life. Minimal differences were found between those with and those without pre-existing mental health conditions, as both groups were substantially impacted by the condition. Attention to the perspectives of people with lived experience of long COVID is necessary to inform future directions for research and clinical practice.